SANG has been formed by a group of Winchester residents who share concerns over Winchester City Council's proposals for 'development' in and around the Station Approach area. Currently over 100 local residents have asked to be on our mailing list.

The Council vision is to 'improve and revitalise' the area between the Cattle Market car park and the area around the railway station and is consulting the public and other 'stakeholders' to help 'shape the development brief'. SANG has been invited to contribute to the Stakeholder meetings, along with other groups including Winchester Action on Climate Change and the City of Winchester Trust. Also, as individuals, many of us have had the opportunity to attend the meetings for residents. Although no final plans have yet been published, principles for future development are in the draft local plan and these give an insight into possible developments, as does the earlier 'development assessment' commissioned by the City Council.

Our concerns

Development on the suggested scale, which could include large new office blocks, would have a major impact on residents - not only those who live close to the 'Station Approach' area itself and living nearby, for example in the Hyde Conservation Area, but also for the City as a whole.

Surface car parks at Worthy Lane, Cattle Market and Gladstone Street seem to be regarded by planners as a 'wasted use of space'. We believe this is a narrow view which ignores the very real value they provide to the community at large in the form of welcome open space as well as providing valuable parking for residents,visitors and business users.They also provide essential overspill parking in the year for key events, including the Hat Fair and the Christmas Market.

Any loss of parking space will cause problems for residents and add to pressure for on-street parking nearby.

Traffic congestion and resultant pollution is already heavy in this area. Building 2000 homes in Barton Farm will have a massive and as yet poorly understood impact on this, and building on the scale suggested in the Station Approach area will inevitably worsen the situation for everyone visiting, working or living here.

Current proposals for 'Station Approach' do not seem to take account of other developments in the pipeline. Barton Farm, Chesil Street and Silver Hill will have a major impact on traffic and pollution levels throughout the City. Adding Station Approach to this list could also turn our historic City into a huge building site for a decade, to the detriment of all.

Parts of the areahave been allowed to deteriorate. We think that development should focus on improving the quality of 'public space' and prioritise the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. There is huge potential to improve landscaping, including more tree planting and the 'greening of open space'.